November 2018

Is God listening? It’s hard not to ask this when confronted with daily stories of senseless shootings in perceived ‘safe spaces’ like schools, churches, synagogues, or community establishments or devastating ‘natural’ disasters we might very well be causing.  My heart saddens for anyone who is the victim of such violence and destruction; while at the same time, I am  uplifted by every act of human kindness, compassion, and bravery that occurs in the face of such tragedies.  As the psalmist writes in more than one place, “Yahweh hears.” (Ps.4:3b, 34:17a, 69:33a, Prov 15:29) “Yahweh is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Ps 34:18  God  hears the cry of those in need, enters into any suffering to bring whatever aid, comfort, care, healing, and support that is possible.  It is this God who knows our deepest desires and deepest needs.  Thus, despite my divided heart, I come to you with a story of  hope and possible fulfillment. You decide.  No decision for this community is made alone. Neither I nor council control our welfare. We share it as a faith community together who seeks to pay attention to the Spirit’s invitation and follow God’s will in who we are and what we do. 
          Wasn’t God listening when Marian, our dedicated office administrator of 4 years wanted to retire and agreed to stay through our annual meeting February this year? Wasn’t God listening when a new seminarian graduate whose husband took a job nearby would be looking for first call in a brand new synod and was told to check out the ELCA congregation in Half Moon Bay?  Wasn’t God listening when I asked if she would consider taking our office position while she waited for call and as we got to know her, asked council if we could make it possible for her to engage with our congregation in pastoral ways to continue opportunities for growth?  Wasn’t God listening to the deep yearning of my soul as I worked with her recognizing how much I valued and thrived on shared pastoral ministry?  I came to CLC knowing I wanted to stay until retirement as long as it remained right and good for you.  I love we have amazing staff and laity who take ministry seriously at home and the community at large.  Could God be presenting an opportunity to share my call with another who brings her own set of gifts from which we as a congregation could benefit, while also  offering the chance for a fantastic candidate to become ordained??  As this year progressed, people would ask me if  Pastor Sue might be able to stay?  As my family dynamics changed, I wondered if my call could be shared or divided into two calls and, after speaking to our bishop, council, and personnel committee, it IS possible, IF our congregation and Pastor Sue were to decide this to be so. 
          Thus, a proposal has been approved by council and will be sent to members and friends of Coastside Lutheran Church.  It divides my current call into two calls—the first, a Part-time Senior Pastor position I will continue to fill and the second, a Renewable 2 year Term Call for a Part-time Associate Pastor that can be made permanent any time. A term call allows time for us as a congregation to see how a shared pastoral ministry works for all concerned. If it is approved by the congregation, this call for Part-time Associate Pastor can be offered to the candidate with whom we are in relationship, should we desire to do so.  It is then her decision to accept.  There is no pressure or obligation to do so.  All can remain the same.  Or, we can respond to what may be an invitation by the Holy Spirit to expand our current pastoral ministry in a way that meets our budget, honors both pastors involved, and offers the congregation an opportunity to receive blessings greater than any one person can provide.  Ask whatever questions you have. Attend the November 18 congregational meeting for more information, and let us see where the Spirit leads!!
 
With love in Christ,
 
Pastor Dawn
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